Aribo Plays as Everton Defeats Southampton

Everton marked the end of an era at Goodison Park with a resounding 2-0 win over relegated Southampton in their final men’s game at the historic stadium. Iliman Ndiaye was the star of the show, netting twice to secure victory for the Toffees. His first goal came just six minutes in, with a stunning curl into the bottom corner. Despite two disallowed goals from Beto due to offside, Ndiaye found the back of the net again in first-half stoppage time, rounding Southampton’s goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale before tapping in.

Super Eagles midfielder Joe Aribo made an appearance for Southampton, playing until the 60th minute. His fellow Nigerian, Paul Onuachu, did not feature, having missed out on the Saints’ matchday squad.

The match brought to a close 133 years of football history at Goodison Park, witnessed by 39,201 fans who shared in the emotional farewell. Everton will be moving to the new 52,888 capacity Hill Dickinson Stadium at Bramley Moore Dock next season, while Goodison Park is set to become the home ground for Everton’s women’s team.

This win over Southampton also marked Everton’s 1,538th victory in 2,789 games played at the iconic venue, solidifying Southampton as the most defeated opposition in Premier League history at Goodison Park. Everton remains 13th in the Premier League table, but the triumph was a fitting farewell to a stadium that has been their fortress for over a century.

Editorial

Saying goodbye to Goodison Park is more than just a change of venue it is the end of an era steeped in rich footballing history. For 133 years, this iconic ground has been the heartbeat of Everton Football Club, bearing witness to unforgettable moments of triumph and heartbreak.

Everton’s 2-0 win over Southampton was a fitting tribute to the Grand Old Lady. Iliman Ndiaye’s brace captured the spirit of the club’s fighting tradition, delivering a final victory to a roaring crowd of 39,201. For many, it wasn’t just about the three points it was a nostalgic farewell to a place where memories were made, where generations of fans stood shoulder to shoulder, celebrating goals and enduring losses together.

Moving to the Hill Dickinson Stadium is a leap towards the future, a nod to modern football’s demands for larger capacities and state of the art facilities. But as we step forward, we must not forget the echoes of Goodison’s past. This ground saw the rise of legends, the lifting of trophies, and the loyalty of fans who poured their hearts into every cheer. It was not just a stadium it was home.

As Everton prepares for its new chapter, the legacy of Goodison Park will remain intact. Its spirit will be carried forward, reminding us that while venues may change, the soul of the club is eternal. This final match was not just a game; it was a celebration of history and a promise to never forget where it all began.

Did You Know?

1. Goodison Park was the first major football stadium built in England and has hosted more top-flight games than any other stadium in the country.
2. The stadium served as a venue for the 1966 FIFA World Cup, hosting five matches, including the classic quarter-final between Portugal and North Korea.
3. Everton was the first English club to install dugouts at their stadium, a feature that is now standard in football grounds around the world.
4. Goodison Park is one of the few stadiums to have hosted a top-flight match on Christmas Day, a tradition that ended in the 1950s.

5. Everton’s last goal at Goodison Park in a men’s game was scored by Iliman Ndiaye, marking a historic end to their time at the iconic venue.